Bend PD, OLCC target downtown drinking issues

Bend police and Oregon Liquor Control Commission officials met with downtown business owners this week to discuss recent alcohol-related issues in the area and how to prevent them in the future.

Wednesday’s meeting “was an effort to partner with all involved to increase community safety in downtown Bend,” the OLCC said in a Friday news release.

Police Chief Jeff Salesaid the goal is to have compliance from licensees regarding over-service of patrons.

“The primary focusand concern from the group was how to solve disorderly activityin areas outside of the licensed premises,” the OLCC statement said.

The police said that to have an impact, licensees need to call police when they see unlawful or disorderly patrons inthe immediate area of their premises.

“I thought the licensees who attended today’s meetingshowedan interest in collaborating to find proactive solutions todisorderly activities and public intoxication in downtown Bend,”said OLCC Regional Manager Katie Siefkes.

“It’s encouraging that licensees want topartner with OLCC and the Bend Police Department,” she added.

The agency said Bend Police and OLCC will be partnering on Friday and Saturday nights this summer in downtown Bend for saturation visits.

Police, OLCC and licensees also will be spreading the word regarding the meeting and work on solutions to bring back to the group.

“It’s a team effort to increase community safety in downtown Bend,” Siefkes said. “We’re thankful for all the support we are receiving from our partners.”